I AM...

I was sitting in church recently, listening to our pastor when I had one of those 'divine impartations' from the Lord. You know when you hear from God with you 'inner ear' and not necessarily your 'outer ear'. It was one of those 'hearings from God'... (However, let this be known, we must practice discernment when hearing from God. God does not say anything contrary to his word. You have to make sure that when and what you hear from God lines up with his Word.)

So on this occasion I heard the Lord say to me, "Stop letting your situations and circumstances define and determine for you who I am. I AM who I say I am. Let my word define for you who I am. I AM who I say I am. Let that determine your situations and circumstances. Let that be it. Let I AM be." This of course got me thinking on how we so easily allow other things and people to tell us who God is. We often fail in letting God himself tell us who He is. We complain about who and what He is not or not doing in our lives and deprive Him of the the praise, glory and Honor that He is due.

I suppose you could say, "well God has not done anything in my life to show me who He is." And at that, the very thought process followed by articulation of those words from your mouth, prove in themselves what God has done in your life. The very essenence of our lives is a definitive characteristic of who God is. A Creator.

We should not let things define God, but on the contrary...we should let God define those things in our lives. Example? I do not have a job so God is not a provider. No! God continues to provide in my life, because even when I do not have a job, I have food to eat, a roof over my head, etc. So yes, He is even more of a Provider. Just not in the way that you see it.

Not all examples have to be bad, in fact, we sometimes only define God when the good happens. We get a raise-God is a Provider. We pray and get healed right away-God is a Healer. We felt lonely-God was our Comforter. And don't get me wrong, God is well able to doing these things in our lives and He does. Praise Him for that. However, all good and perfect things do come from above, but not ONLY all good and perfect things and situations define God. Sometimes, what we look at as good is not good at all. Sometimes we define God by our defintions of good and bad and not by the Word of God. That's a big mistake. One I am guilty of making myself.


What God told me that beautiful Sunday afternoon has encouraged me to dive into the Word to discover for the first time or the 400th time on who God is. If you have wandered like me into a moment of forgetting who God is, or who He can and will be in your life, meditate and pray on these verses and know that "God is not a man that He shall lie, whatever He says he will do whatever He promised shall come to pass."

(Deuteronomy 4:31 NIV) For the LORD your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your forefathers, which he confirmed to them by oath

(Numbers 23:19 NIV) God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?

(Deuteronomy 9:3 NIV) But be assured today that the LORD your God is the one who goes across ahead of you like a devouring fire. He will destroy them; he will subdue them before you. And you will drive them out and annihilate them quickly, as the LORD has promised you.

(2 Samuel 22:32-34 NIV) For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God? {33} It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. {34} He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights.

(2 Chronicles 30:9 NIV) If you return to the LORD, then your brothers and your children will be shown compassion by their captors and will come back to this land, for the LORD your God is gracious and compassionate. He will not turn his face from you if you return to him."

(Psalms 46:1-2 NIV) God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. {2} Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,..

(Proverbs 30:5 NIV) "Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

(Hebrews 4:12 NIV) For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

What is amazing and fascinating is that God is who He says he is, not just for me but for everyone who believes in Him. Everyone. That's a lot of people and a big challenge for someone especially if they weren't confident in who they say they were.

Let the Word of God define for you who God is. And as the Lord has told me and is teaching me, stop letting everything else define for you who he is. God is who He says He is, whether you think your situation reveals it to you or not. It will in due time. Our situations are setup so that when we get out of them, God receives the glory and He is known to you and sometimes those around you as a characteristic you've never seen Him before in your life. Whether or not you feel like you have it is not important or necessary. What is important is that you know that the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is who He is, has been and will continue to be for eternity.

Beautiful. Simply beautiful.

Bigger than the bully

I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me,

and set me in a large place. The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me? ...Psalms 118:5& 6

Do you ever think about that? That the LORD is on your side. The Lord God who has created all and everything...is on your side. In situations, circumstances and trials...you have the advantage. Wow. It's like a bully picking on you and wanting to fight you. This guy is big, tall and talks a lot of trash. But you do not worry. You are confident. You talked to your older brother earlier that day. He said he would stick around and watch, and come to your defense. And you know that your older brother is bigger, smarter and faster than your bully. So you develop confidence. You make your face like a flint that does not change. That does not move, because you know who you know...

I guess when you think about it, that is how David was when he faced Goliath. Hmmm, the same David that wrote this verse in Psalms 118:5&6. I'm pretty sure after bringing a giant to it's defeat, I too would be singing, "oh, what can man do to me, the LORD is on my side!" But you know what I suggest for us this day? Lets not wait until we get into these situations. Until we are face to face with enemies before we praise God. Let us thank Him now. In advance. For always being on our side. For placing us on the winning side. Get that confidence. That confidence that says, "I am winning, I am always winning and in ALL things I am completely victorious." Where does this confidence come from? The word of God. The Word that tells us we have power and authority. The word that says when we s p e a k things happen, mountains move.

I love the beginning part of verse 5 that says, when I was in distress the Lord set me in a large place. Some translations even say a "spacious place". Man God is good to us. So good, that when we are in distress, He moves us to spacious places, because we trust Him. We trust him so much that we walk around in confidence saying, "What can man do unto me?...the LORD is on my side!"

Friends, find that confidence today. Walk around today saying that the LORD, God Almighty is on your side. You. Lil' ole you. God is on your side. No matter how big that bully is. No matter how big the challange is. GOD is on your side. That's something to shout about!

The meaning behind belief...

I like to tell people that I have been a Christian since utero. Which I know is not theoretically possible, but it's what I often feel. Being raised in a home where Christian morals and values were instilled and enforced. My father would make me and my brother memorize bible verses and then recite them to him. It was pointless to us as the time, but I find myself so appreciative when I am able to encourage myself through the word of God that was sown deep and at an early age. It all for me, seemed, so easy. There wasn't much effort involved in my walk with Christ for awhile, no friction or blessings. Don't get me wrong, I am so thankful for this. As I look around today at the many children, teenagers and adults who are left to figure this world out alone, I thank God that the source of my wisdom and belief began in the home.
I guess it all changed when I went to college. Isn't there always some pinnacle point in a persons life where they realize that the way they were doing things is not working and they must now make a decision. There is always a decision to be made. And there is always consequences to follow. I went to a small Christian college, couple that with my home life and a Christian high school, I was a walking concoction for spiritual success...or disaster. Christian college life was filled with the same lures and temptations and a non-Christian college, with the exception of optional chapel on Wednesdays. I was being fed so much theologically that I found my personal relationship with Christ suffocating. It wasn't until recently did I recognize the importance of my belief. Because my faith had always been something I was, and not something I did. I felt as though so much of it was hidden behind preconceived ideas and traditions that there was no room for a relationship. I believed, because that is what I always did. I believed without questions, I believed because there was nothing else for me to do but believe.
Until the issues came. It wasn't like I had never had any issues before, but something began to change as I got older. The issues and struggles seemed to weigh me down more and they weren't affecting me the way that they used to. It was as if the untreated issues from my past had grown-up, sprouted, and reproduced. And they were coming back in full force. I needed something. What I needed most was to hear from God and I felt he was so far from me. Me? The girl who grew up in church? Me the girl who has read thru the bible, memorized verse upon verse? With the help of some great spiritual mentors, I have since began to learn the value of belief. There is so much more to the Bible than what we give it credit for. The book is a book filled with Word seed, that we have the ability to plant into our lives. I mean really plant into our lives. I decided to listen to what God was trying to tell me for years and years. I decided to be a doer of the word and not just a hearer only. (James 1:22-24). I decided I didn't want just the name tag Christian, I wanted the life and all that came with it. Yes, it gets difficult and confusing but there is more joy and peace and happiness. There is more faith and hope in knowing that I'm not just believing something to believe it. I am living out my belief. I walking and talking and believing that Word.


That my friends is the beauty of faith.

Somethings gotta give...

Man, the season of frustration was...frustrating. It is so common to hear counsel that reminds us that "God has everything under control" or that "The Lord will make a way." But the truth of the matter is, sometimes we want to help God out. Sometimes, even though it is known that God does indeed have everything under control--we want to guide Him just a little. Ha! As if, we had anything to do with how He brought us to the place we are now. One thing is for certain, sin has its consequences. And yes, we are forgiven by God through Jesus Christ. Sin on the other hand could care less about forgiving you.

It is no lie that it gets difficult in our walk with God. Being obedient and consistent for so long without any change...can cause one to fear, doubt or even question that which they have asked God for. All these things ultimately can lead to plain ole frustration. I first questioned whether it was okay to voice my frustrations with God. Yeah, I know He knows my heart but... you aren't allowed to be frustrated with God. It's like one of those rules that you are supposed to know and not talk about. God on the other hand, wants to hear it all, frustrations, praises, pains and fears, we are called to bring it all before Him.

How can you serve a God that you haven't truly surrendered everything to?

Frustration is all that we get when we trust in ourselves to do what only God can do on our behalf. The beauty of frustration reminds of that we are mere humans who need everything that God has to offer. The Bible tells us to "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matt 6:33) We are to seek God first, even in the midst of our frustrations and thru seeking Him, He will reveal to us what we need to do. Whether it be to wait, change our attitude or patch up an area of sin in our life. The thing to know is God is not out to frustrate you for frustrations sake. The enemy is. God is at work in you to will you to act according to his good purpose. And I believe that that good purpose, when brought about in Gods timing will not be frustrating.

So what do you do?

Repent. Ask the Lord for forgiveness. Ask Him to forgive you of small-mindedness. God desires to take us higher in Him. Let Him. Surrender. Every frustration unto God. Acknowledge Him as the Most High God who can and is doing a good work in you. Check your life. Are there any areas of sin that have snuck in while you were busy focusing on the frustrations and what you do not have? Let humility take over. Seek Gods face and not His hand. Be careful not to just desire the promises while ignoring the purpose. Gods not just going to bless you for blessings sake. There is a purpose behind everything He does...and most of the time it has to do with someone else, not you. Get yourself off your mind all the time.

At the end of the day, we must realize, that that "something" which has to give is oftentimes ourselves. It is all those things, people, situations, circumstances and plans that we have allowed to fog our glasses as we were on the road to pursuing His glory.

God is so much better to me than I am to myself. When will we stop trying to direct a course we didn't create? And trust not only the Creator, but His plans for getting us there.

I'm thinking now is a good time to do that.

total. life. faith

Since we are surrounded by so many examples of faith, we must get rid of everything that slows us down, especially sin that distracts us. We must run the race that lies ahead of us and never give up. Heb 12:1

I'm learning a thing or two about faith these days. This faith that we allegedly walk around with, talk about and claim that we are ready to use-until well, we actually have to use it. Until we are faced with challenges and circumstances that test our 'faith'. Oh but thanks be unto God who stays in it for the long haul with us, even amidst our foolishness and lack of faith.

The key to see the power of faith in our lives is to take note of when it is in action. Often times we allow our faith to 'slack', get lazy or become idle because we do not exercise it. Just like any muscle or area of your body you want to develop or strengthen, you must apply resistance in order for it to not only withstand the pressure but rise above it. We can't complain about the lack of definition in our arms or legs if we refuse to accept the applied resistance as apart of the growth and strength gaining process. Our faith is very similar. It is many times that issue or conflict that comes into our life that is the very "weight" needed to build our muscle of faith. However, instead of thanking God for it, we complain. We complain about the existence of a mountain. We complain about the size of the mountain. And we complain about our inability to move the mountain. Oh but Matthew 17:20 reminds us that, "...if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you." By the looks of this scripture, we don't need a lot of faith to move the mountain-like issues in our life...and yet they still remain? What's missing?

I have realized that when things are going well in our lives we find it easy not to stand in faith for something. At least not boldly. I suppose rightfully so. If my finances are well, I am not walking around confessing prosperity scriptures or incessantly praying about financial security? When I look and feel healthy...why thank the Lord for my functioning organs or stand in faith for healing? Sounds a bit cocky but i'm sure this is why the bible reminds us to always be thankful. We should consistently be standing in faith and believing for God to take us to the next level in all areas of our life. Keep your faith active. Excersize it.

I believe that is what becomes so difficult. Oftentimes as humans, living in this world, we become so focused on our right now need, that we exercise only our 'right now' faith. Thinking of our exercising analogy, it's kind of like when people focus on only one part of their body during a workout, when focusing on a total body work out helps overall fitness and weight loss. Focusing on building faith in one area to me is like having huge calf muscles and a flabby stomach. Just doesn't go.

In focusing on one area of faith, we also provide for more ways to be attacked by the enemy. Think about it. When one is standing in faith for their marriage and only their marriage and then their finances are affected-they are almost blindsided. Mostly because they weren't
"expecting" to have to utilize that area of faith as well.

Walk in total faith. Believe God is able to do exactly what His word says. "For God is not a man that he shall lie or the Son of man that he will faint. Whatever He says, he will do, whatever he promised, it shall come to pass." Sometimes I believe we believe and weigh our salvation heavier than we do anything else in the bible. But why? Step out on your faith today. In all areas. Watch God move. Watch God meet your needs. Watch what happens when you put Him first...in everything.

believe. trust. stand.

...Teach

Then Jesus came to them and said, "All power in heaven and on earth is given to me. So go and make followers of all people in the world. Baptize them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach them to obey everything that I have taught you, and I will be with you always, even until the end of this age."

As a current teacher, it is one of my greatest joys to see that which I spent hours or days teaching my students is now being reproduced. For them to use what they have learned through me, take it and apply it to the challenges I set before them. It is also fabulous to see these little ones interacting and helping each other grasp concepts, main ideas and ways to avoid the "road blocks" in learning.

Before His ascension into heaven, Jesus informed His disciples in the simplest terms to go, baptize and teach. He tells them to "teach them to obey everything that I have taught you..."

The question that stands out for me is,

what has God taught you?

No matter how wretched the soul, God is always in the midst of teaching and perfecting us to be whom He has called. I am wondering how many of us are sharing with others what God has spent time teaching us. The lessons upon lessons upon trials upon lessons are there to mold us to reflect the image of Christ...but also to be salt and light to others as well. In his great commission Jesus reminds us to teach others everything He has taught us. We are being taught to obey. We are being taught to surrender. We are being taught how to fight a good fight of faith. We are being taught to stand.

Simply ask yourself: Are the trials which God has brought me through being used in the great commission to build the lives of others? Are the days, months or years in which I had to go through-fail, go through-fail, go through-and finally pass, being made lessons for others? Would I have avoided some storms in life had others genuinely shared with me how God taught them to obey?

Let us truly fulfill the great commission in that we share with others all that the Lord has taught us and perhaps, is still teaching us. Revelations 12:11 tells us that we overcome the enemy, "by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony..." Our testimony. What we share with others about what God has taught us.

Let's start overcoming. Let's start fulfilling our role in the Great Commission. Let's use what God has tailored for us to be a blessing for others...

Go...Baptize...Teach

R e l e a s e.

I have no other explanation for the joy that came with this new year other than God. I praise God for all that He is doing in my life. There is just something to be said when you leave a season in your life and you are at the onset of starting another. For some, it could be something sad, depressing or frustrating, but what I am learning to do no matter the situation, is to give Him thanks regardless. Yes, it may sound cliche, but God is ready to restore his people. He is more than ready for us to be ready for Him. Wow. What have we been doing? How have we wasted our time? What have we been focusing on other than the will and things of God?

The time is now to start growing deeper into the things of Christ, to decide whether we are content with the label Christian without the lifestyle to back it up. There must be a definitive distinction between our lives and those of this world. It is far too easy and common to mesh and slip into worldly thinking, living, actions and ultimately we get worldly responses and consequences. We are wearing the title but are not reaping the blessings or the fruit. Not that we have to get blessed, but it is part of our inheritance! We accept Jesus we accept the blessing the comes with it. The Lord is looking to bless us, He is looking manifest his Word into our lives. But how can He manifest what He does not see? How can He manifest what He does not hear? How can He manifest what we fail to do? What are we supposed to do?

R e l e a s e.

Release everything we've held onto over the past years that has positioned themselves/itself in God's place. Let it go. Allow God to move back to where He belongs. Surrender yourself to Him. No. really surrender. Don't allow the enemy to speak fear into your life when you surrender. Operate on the faith that comes with the Word.


I pray that we not just make a plan to release our desires unto God, I pray that we just do it. So much of our life is a risk when we are operating outside of God's will. It is time to surrender those things and that life unto God. NOW! He wants it, not so he can just take something from you. No! Our God is a good God..."He takes pleasure in the prosperity of His servant."(Pslam 35:27) God wants us to release what we are holding in our hands to him, so that He can begin to release what is in His hands to us.

I'm not sure about you, but I am ready. Ready to r e l e a s e and ready to grab hold of what God has for me!